Ashley Cole could make Derby County debut this weekend after signing six-month contract

Ashley Cole - Ashley Cole could make Derby County debut this weekend after signing six-month contract
Ashley Cole returns to English football after five years with a point to prove Credit: Derby County FC

Ashley Cole could make his return to English football at Accrington Stanley this weekend after completing his move to Derby County. Cole has agreed a six-month contract with Derby to team up once again with former Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard.

The 38-year-old was a free agent after leaving LA Galaxy in November but will be part of Lampard’s plans for the remainder of the season.

And Cole is in line to make his debut in the FA Cup at Accrington’s Crown Ground on Saturday, if Derby receive international clearance in time.

“I’ve not played in England for nearly five years so this is a big challenge,” he said.

“It’s a tough league and I’m coming out of my comfort zone. I could have stayed in the MLS and relaxed but I’ve come here to fight for something, to fight for a good cause.

“I’ve not come here for a short cut, I will have to get my head down and work hard.

“We will try to win promotion, it will be great for the club and obviously for Frank as well.”

Cole started his career with Arsenal in 1999 and won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups, while he was also part of Arsene Wenger’s ‘Invincibles’ team in the 2003-04 campaign.

He completed a controversial move to Chelsea in 2006 and enjoyed further success, winning the Champions League and the FA Cup four times.

Cole, who won 107 caps for England, then moved to Roma before joining LA Galaxy in 2016.

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